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Tide's Smart interviews with Auburn

Kirby Smart interviewed with Auburn for the football coaching position.

By Chase GoodbreadSports Writer

Published: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 11:22 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has interviewed for the head coaching position at Auburn, but the Crimson Tide’s sixth-year assistant coach might not be a primary candidate for the Tigers, sources close to the situation confirmed to The Tuscaloosa News on Monday night.

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Smart, 36, has been among the most sought-after assistant coaches in the nation since last year, when he was tied to several job openings before ultimately remaining with the Crimson Tide and receiving a pay raise.

A university spokesperson said there would be no official comment from Saban.

Smart is not the only candidate interviewing with Auburn, which is hosting candidates in Nashville, Tenn. A source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Tuscaloosa News that Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris had also scheduled an in-person interview with Auburn. Media reports have also cited Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn — a former Auburn offensive coordinator — former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, Louisville coach Charlie Strong and others as candidates.

This season, Smart’s defense finished No. 1 in the NCAA in rush defense and No. 2 in scoring defense at 10.7 points allowed per game. Smart earned $950,000 in 2012, putting him among the nation’s highest-paid assistant coaches. He earned $850,000 in 2011.

Last month, Smart was named the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year, his second national assistant of the year honor since 2009.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has interviewed for the head coaching position at Auburn, but the Crimson Tide's sixth-year assistant coach might not be a primary candidate for the Tigers, sources close to the situation confirmed to The Tuscaloosa News on Monday night.</p><p>Smart, 36, has been among the most sought-after assistant coaches in the nation since last year, when he was tied to several job openings before ultimately remaining with the Crimson Tide and receiving a pay raise.</p><p>A university spokesperson said there would be no official comment from Saban.</p><p>Smart is not the only candidate interviewing with Auburn, which is hosting candidates in Nashville, Tenn. A source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Tuscaloosa News that Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris had also scheduled an in-person interview with Auburn. Media reports have also cited Arkansas State coach Gus Malzahn — a former Auburn offensive coordinator — former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, Louisville coach Charlie Strong and others as candidates.</p><p>This season, Smart's defense finished No. 1 in the NCAA in rush defense and No. 2 in scoring defense at 10.7 points allowed per game. Smart earned $950,000 in 2012, putting him among the nation's highest-paid assistant coaches. He earned $850,000 in 2011.</p><p>Last month, Smart was named the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year, his second national assistant of the year honor since 2009.</p><p>Auburn fired former coach Gene Chizik on Nov. 25.</p><p>Reach Chase Goodbread at chase@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0196.</p>